In the dark, damp wooden hold of an 18th-century slave ship, dim light filters through cracks in the deck, illuminating dust and chains. Two young, beautiful African women, approximately 22 and 19 years old, are bound tightly back to back to a thick wooden mast/pole with coarse ropes around their wrists and waists. They have dark, smooth skin, athletic yet feminine bodies, ample breasts, and expressive faces that mingle fear and defiance. The older woman, (22), has long, braided hair, the younger, (19), has short, curly hair. Both are dressed scantily, the tattered, dirty remnants of simple white cotton slave garments. The fabric is threadbare, translucent with sweat and seawater, barely covering their bodies. Tops are torn low, revealing plunging necklines and shoulders, short skirts are torn and hiked up at the hips, revealing long legs. Bare feet, bruises and rope marks on the skin, a light sheen of sweat. Before them stand two wealthy European slave owners, middle-aged, (approximately 45-50), elegantly dressed in the rich attire of the 18th century, dark velvet frock coats with gold embroidery, white shirts with frills, expensive ties, formal breeches, polished leather boots, and three-cornered hats. One holds a lantern, the other a cane. They carefully appraise the women—one man touches the young woman's chin, lifting her face, while the other gestures to examine their figures with a serious, appraising expression. A realistic historical style, dramatic cinematic lighting, high detail, a dark atmosphere, tension, and a power imbalance.